In the ever-changing realm of digital media, Her Campus has been a standout player, radiating innovation and empowerment. As its 15th anniversary rolls around, let’s take a moment to dive into how this brainchild, born in a college dorm, skyrocketed to become the go-to media and marketing ecosystem for college women. It’s a saga of bold vision, unwavering determination, and a quest for excellence that’s nothing short of inspiring.
Flashback to 2009 at Harvard. Picture this: Stephanie Kaplan Lewis, Annie Wang, and Windsor Western were running a student publication for women on campus. They stepped up their game by making their project participate as part of Harvard’s business plan competition that year. The trio totally nailed it, laying down the cornerstone for what we now know as Her Campus Media. Since that winning moment, they’ve been shaping the company and keeping it 100% founder- and women-owned.
In its early days, Her Campus was like a magnet, pulling in college women with its spot-on content. From nailing your career moves to health tips, fashion, and lifestyle tricks, it became the ultimate online hangout for young women looking for a dose of guidance and inspiration. But here’s the cool part: Her Campus wasn’t supposed to be just a Harvard thing. After a while, Stephanie, Annie, and Windsor had a lightbulb moment: why not take this show on the road nationwide? So, by 2018, Her Campus chapters had been established in more universities nationwide… and in even more universities in different countries, from Puerto Rico all the way to Japan.
Her Campus wasn’t just about the articles, though. It was about forging a community where readers felt seen, heard, and amplified. This sense of belonging became the signature of Her Campus, making it more than just another digital publication.
As the online world evolved, Her Campus kept pace, embracing the shift to social media and mobile-first content. They weren’t just keeping up; they were trailblazers, rolling out interactive articles, social media campaigns, and multimedia content that kept them not just relevant, but ahead of the game. Adaptability’s the name of the game for Her Campus. They’ve stayed fresh, meeting their audience on their turf – whether it’s Instagram, TikTok, or the next big thing online.
Now, let’s talk about inclusivity. Starting with a focus on college women, Her Campus has thrown open its doors to a plethora of voices and experiences. As a college guy writing for Her Campus, I’ve seen how this inclusivity has enriched the content and widened the conversation, making it a diverse and vibrant community.
As we hit the fifteenth anniversary mark, Her Campus isn’t just about looking back at its wins. It’s all about charging forward and leading the digital revolution. They’re gearing up to explore new storytelling avenues, dive into emerging tech, and continue nurturing their inclusive community.
The journey of Her Campus is a shining example of the power of vision, community, and adaptability within a shared space. It’s also incredibly inspiring from an entrepreneurial perspective, if I do say so myself. From a dorm room idea to a leading digital force, Her Campus has carved a unique niche in the media landscape. So, as we celebrate this milestone, we’re not just tipping our hats to past glories. We’re also revved up for what’s next. ■